Langkawi Main Attractions:
Nature sightseeing on the islands

1.BIRDS
There are approximately 200 species of birds recorded on Langkawi. Among them are 20 species of birds of prey (including White-bellied Sea Eagle, Brahminy Kite, Changeable Hawk-eagle, Jerdon's Baza and Mountain Hawk-eagle), seven species of kingfishers (including the Brown-winged, Black-capped and Collared), five species of wild pigeons (including the endangered Large Green, Pink-necked green and Thick-billed green), five species of sunbirds (including the Ruby-cheeked and Crimson) and several flower peckers (including the Scarlet-backed and Orange-bellied). The best time of the year for bird watching is between the months of November to April during the northern hemisphere's migratory season. Found around Cenang rice fields and the area in front of Bon Ton Resort and Restaurant, foothills of Gunung Raya and Gunung Machinchang, the mangroves between the Mutiara Burau Bay and Berjaya Resorts, and Sungai Kisap and Sungai Kilim Mangrove Reserves on the northern coast.

2. WILDLIFE
Langkawi is home to many interesting fauna including some very bizarre ones. There are four species of primates including the long-tailed Macaque, Dusky-leaf Monkey, Slow Loris and the world's only gliding monkey. The Colugo (Flying Lemur). Here too you can come across the orld's smallest deer, the Mousedeer, Giant Squirrels, Flying foxes, Civer Cats and the Pangolin.

3. CAVES
Langkawi is home to many caves. The four most noted ones are:
Gua Pasir Dagang The cave on the northwest side of Pulau Dayang Bunting is home to many cave dwellers such as bats. Access is by boat, then foot. Gua Cerita Located on Langkawi's northeast coast, this cave is accessible by boat and often included in the itinerary of mangrove tours that operate from Tanjung Rhu to Sungai Kisap Forest Reserve. Access is via a beach and a short flight of steps. Gua Landak Located a short distance from the Sheraton Perdana Resort in Kuah, this cave is easily accessible by foot. Gua Kelawar Located in the mangroves of Sungai Kilim and is usually bundled in the mangrove tour package.

4. CORAL REEFS
While there are some coral reefs around the main islands, the most developed dive and snorkelling site offering the best visibility is the Pulau Payar Marine Park, located about an hour's boat ride to the south of Langkawi. Organised day trips operate regularly to the park.

5. GEOLOGICAL FORMATIONS
The island's geological make up forms the basis of the flora of the islands. Most of the outer islands are limestone and marble while the main island comprises ancient sandstone formations and granite intrusions. Gunung Machinchang The mountain is one of the oldest rock formations in Southeast Asia. To experience it, take an exhilirating ride on the Langkawi Cable Car over the forest canopy and up the mountain's escarpment to the summit at 713m. Observe the 550 million year old sandstone outcrops, the mountain flora and birdlife. Look out for the world's smallest orchid as well as pitcher plants. There are several walks between stations to allow a closer look at the rocks and vegeration. Gunung Raya Langkawi's highest peak at 880m is reached via a winding 13km toll road (50 sen) that passes through fascinating forests supporting a wide variety of fauna. Hornbills and birds of prey are common sights. Make a stop at several points and observe the forest from the canopy level. Look, listen and be one with the denizens of this environ. The mountain is a gigantic batholith formed about 230 million years ago, deep beneath the surface of the earth.Plate tectonic movements have pushed it to the surface. Limestone Coast The north, northeast coast and islands as far down as Pulau Tuba are predominantly limestone, approximately 400 million years old. Many endemic plants are found here and tall 'palm-like' plants called cycads grow from within cracks in the limestone. The outer islands are the best for seeing both the rocks and limestone vegetation. Rocky outcrops form an amazing sight especially along the uninhabited northern and eastern coastlines. Visitors need to hire a boat from Tanjung Rhu, Kilim or Kuah to explore these areas. The legendary Tasik Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden) is a beautiful freshwater lake located on limestone within the rainforest. It is Langkawi's largest lake and is separated from the sea by a thin rock wall. Walk through the forests and paddle or swim in the lake.

6. MANGROVES
Mangrove observation can be experienced at several forest reserves - Sungai Air Hangat, Sungai Kilim, Sungai Kisap and the Tuba Straits between Pulau Tuba and Pulau Dayang Bunting. Mangroves act as a nurturing area for fish as well as providing habitat for birdlife, reptiles and primates. Langkawi limestone are the only ones in Malaysia that are embedded in limestone. Small boat cruises bring visitors close to the fascinating vegetation and wildlife that the mangrove support. Tours include visits to limestone caves and the chance to see eagles feeding on marine life. Book your tours through hotel recreation desks, or go to the jetties at Tanjung Rhu and Sungai Kilim (for Sungai Kilim Mangrove) and Kuah Jetty for the Tuba Straits managrove.

7. RAINFORESTS
Malaysia has the world's oldest original rainforests. Within Langkawi there are several areas of interest, but the use of naturalists who know the trails and the flora and fauna is recommended. (A) Foothills of Gunung Macincang - Datai side. (B) Telaga Tujuh (C) Peak of Gunung Macincang (D) Gunung Raya (E) Durian Perangin Waterfall (F) Lubuk Semilang (site of the former Book Village).

8. WATERFALLS
Telaga Tujuh Experience this beautiful area with its refreshing cascades of mountain water that flow into seven rocky natural pools, hence the name, Seven Wells. Located at the foot of Gunung Macincang, the trail's concrete steps that traverses mature rainforest is rather steep. Beware of monkeys. When you encounter them just dont taunt them or bare your teeth as they often take this as unfriendly and aggressive. After the first level, proceed further into the forest by following the stream and find yourself secluded pools to lay back and relax after a hard climb. Try to steer away from the edge of the falls as these are often slippery and treacherous. Temurun Waterfall The falls are located just off the road to Datai Bay in a scenic rainforest setting. Its just a short walk to enjoy Langkawi's tallest waterfall. Best viewed during the rainy season. Durian Perangin Waterfall A series of small cascading pools on the edge of an orchard. Accessible by car from the main road.

source: langkawishowcase.com

Tasik Dayang Bunting (B Version)

One version has it that Dayang Bunting was a giant guardian spirit that kept watch over the islands. The lady's defenses include her pet lion and poison from the tuba root, potent weapons for her protection. Hence, the two islands closest to Pulau Dayang Bunting. As you approaching the island, the silhoutte resembles that of a reclined pregnant giant, are named Pulau Singa Besar (Great Lion Island) and Pulau Tuba (Poisonous Root Island).

The story goes that, a group of rude merchants failed to pay the obligatory respects to Dayang Bunting as they passed by the islands. Rudely awakened by the intrusion, she summoned her pet lion to despatch the trespassers. She roused the spirits of wind and water, stirring up a tropical storm that unleashed its fury on the incoming fleet of sailors.

The howling winds and tossing waves threw and dashed vessels on Pulau Jong (Junk Island), hence the remains of wrecked vessels. In the stormy affair, a cargo of black and white water buffaloes escaped to Pulau Gubang Darat (Land Stable Island) and Pulau Gubang Laut (Sea Stable Island) while the white buffaloes sheltered at Pulau Balar (White Water Buffalo Island). Yet other boats, laden with rice, was stranded at Pulau Beras Basah (Wet Rice Island).

Legends and more

Legends may and may be not have faded over the years, many attractions on the island serve to remind us of them. These include Gua Langsiar (cave of the banshee), Telaga Tujuh (seven wells) waterfall, Pantai Pasir Tengkorak (skull beach) and Pulau Beras Basah (island of wet rice grains).


Telaga Tujuh
The Seven Wells or Telaga Tujuh are actuarially a series of seven pools, one after the other on the face of a hill.

It tells of fairies who delight in bathing in the cool waters which are supposed to possess soothing healing properties. A mountain prince who once lived near the wells tried to capture one of these fairy maidens, but until today, they have remained elusive.

It is believed that the unique lime trees and the sintuk, a climbing plant which has large pods, that grow around the pools were left behind by the fairies and locals who visit the Telaga Tujuh waterfalls often use them to wash their hair in order to cleanse themselves of bad luck.


Pasir Tengkorak (Beach of Skull)
A rather eerie legend shadows this lovely secluded little beach.
locals believe that a a sea demon or in some cases a giant whirlpool awaits unwary ships just off the Langkawi islands--at the spot where the Straits of Malacca join the Indian Ocean and the Andaman Sea.

The demon/ whirlpool is said to have swallowed countless number of vessels and deposited the skulls of the crew and passengers at Pantai Tengkorak.

The bone fragments of ancient mariners were found scattered at Tanjung Tulang, while parts of the ships washed up on Pantai Pasir Hitam.

As a result, mineral deposits of tourmaline, ilmenite and zircon have caused the sands to be black in the Beach Of Black Sand while the Beach of Skulls is littered with “bones”.


Pulau Kentut (Islands of Farts)
In another story, a prince once ate half cooked rice during a wedding feast.

He suffered indigestion and farted at two spots now known as
Pulau Kentut Besar (big Fart Island) and Pulau Kentut Kecil (small Fart Island)!

Burnt Rice Beach

A few years after Mahsuri's premature death, the formidable Siamese army made an attack on the island in 1821. In desperation, the chief Dato' Karma Jaya ordered the granary to be burnt down to prevent the storage of rice from falling into Siamese hands. Kampong Raja at Padang Matsirat was the ancient capital of Langkawi, where the island's rice granary was located there. The remnants of dark grainy sand (burnt rice) can still be seen at this beach known as the Burnt Rice (beach) in Pantai Beras Terbakar especially after a heavy downfall that washes out the odd blackened grain or so.

Gua Cherita

Here, you will see faintly legible on the walls, Jawi inscriptions that date back to 1754 AD. You will also see rocks that somewhat resemble furnitures. The rock formations are not only beautiful to behold but seems to portray shapes of mythical beings of the island.

These limestone caves in Isle of Gua Cherita or Gua Cerita (Story Cave), are told in the legends of the founding of the Kingdom of Kedah. In the legend of Merong Mahawangsa:

The story goes that the emperors of Rome and China had a plan to marry off their children. The scheme was opposed by the legendary Geruda (phoenix) who saw the union of the two great powers as a threat to the other smaller kingdoms. The Geruda was determined to quash the scheme; what it did was to abduct the Chinese princess and hid her in a cave believed to be on Langkawi Island. It then set to attack and destroy the Roman fleet commanded by Merong Maha Wangsa with the Roman Prince on it. Merong Maha Wangsa is said to be of mythical origin, the descendents of an indera (a minor divinity) and a gergasi (orge).

During the battle Merong Maha Wangsa summoned the help of Jentayu, the mythical bird of water. However the Garuda was victorious. During the battle the Roman prince fell into the sea and was washed ashore on the island where the Chinese princess was hidden. He was later found by the princess's maids and the couple were finally united in betrothal.

Meanwhile the Garuda had thought he was victorious but came to know later that the couple was united in marriage. In disgrace the Geruda vanished itself from the world.

Another version:
Gua Cerita & The Gadembai

A long time ago there lived a strange creature on Langkawi, called Gedembai,who could turn any human or animal into anything she wished just by saying the words. If she said to someone, "You look like an ox!" that person would instantly be transformed into an ox. She could also turn people into inanimate objects such as rocks, and this meant certain death. Gedembai was feared and hated by everyone and her unusual power virtually made her the queen of the island.

Her wishes were fulfilled unquestioningly and no one dared to disobey her. She was described to appear in various forms;a ghost acreature like a human being but of giant size. Both however mention her ability to turn people into stone. Contrary to what may be expected, the Langkawi Gedembai was a beautiful, luscious woman in her early thirties.

Her character was devoid of love or compassion and her deadly ability taught people to stay away from her. Many people left the island and those who could not afford to leave lived in great fear. They learned that appearing docile and weak kept them safe from Gedembai, as long as they did what she wanted.

Gedembai lived in a beautiful timber house that was build for her by villagers.One day as she was walking along the beach of Tanjung Rhu, she noticed a cave and took a liking to it. This cave, called Gua Cerita, was already inhabited by a family but Gedembai turned them all to stone.

For some time, stones could be found in the cave in the shape of beds,tables, pots and pans, and other household items, and of a man, woman,and three children, but they have been removed over time.

Legend of Pulau Dayang Bunting

Pulau Dayang Bunting (Isle of Pregnant Maiden) is an island just south of the main Langkawi island. A small island encapsulates a freshwater lake (tasik). The romantic tragedy of Pulau Dayang Bunting tells the tale of a beautiful fairy princess or genie called Mambang Sari and a Prince, Mat Teja. One day while she was swimming in the pool, the prince chanced upon her and soon fell in love with her. It was said that she was tricked into marrying him and they soon had a child from the union.

Unfortunately, their child died soon after birth and is believed to be buried in the lake. Before she left, the celestial princess blessed the water so that any childless woman who bathed in the lake, Tasik Dayang Bunting would conceive. Locals certainly believe that the lake has magical powers and that women who drink the waters of the lake can improve their fertility.

Mahsuri's Tragedy

The most notable tale of Langkawi is that of Mahsuri, a beautiful maiden executed after being falsely accused of adultery.

During the reign of Sultan Abdullah Mukarram Shah the Second (1762-1800), a man named Pandak Maya came to Langkawi seeking his fortune. After eating some enchanted rice grains, his wife was soon blessed with a beautiful daughter, Mahsuri, who eventually married Mat Deris, the son of Langkawi's chief.

Mahsuri was beautiful and kind-hearted, capturing the heart of many village lads. She soon caught the eye of the local chieftain. Although he wanted to marry Mahsuri, he was unable to do so and decided then to marry Mahsuri to his son Mat Deris. They soon married and lived in harmony for months before Mat Deris was called away on a mission.

During Mat Deris’ absence, a travelling troubadour, came to the village. Out of kindness, Mahsuri offered him a place to stay. A few months after this, Mahsuri gave birth to a baby boy. There are several versions of how she came to be accused of adultery. The most common version is that her jealous mother-in-law falsely accused her of adultery because of Mahsuri’s popularity and jealousy of her husband’s feelings for Mahsuri. The presence of the traveller in her house and the baby also preyed heavily on the minds of the villages. Upon hearing his wife’s story and village gossip, the chieftain arrested Mahsuri and sentenced her to death without trail.

Her beauty led to jealous and wrongful accusations of adultery and Mahsuri was subsequently sentenced to death. , and witnesses claimed to see white blood gushing from her wound, as if to prove her innocence. Instantly, a mysterious mist shrouded the area.

During the execution at Padang Hangus, she was stabbed with a special kris (Malay dagger). According to legend she could only be killed when her executioner used the dagger (some say spear) from her house. Legend tells that because of her innocence, only white blood flowed from her body. As she lay dying, Mahsuri cast a curse on the island - that Langkawi would not be peaceful nor prosperous for seven generations. After Masuri’s death, her husband and son moved to Phuket Thailand

As incredible as it may seem, time passed slowly by for six generations and it was only during the end of the 7th generation that the island became a popular travel destination, attracting a wealth of development projects.

Makam Mahsuri, a mausoleum, is built on Langkawi island to honour the memory of Mahsuri. The decendents of Mahsuri who lives on Langkawi or Puket till today keep track of their ancestry.

Legend of Mat Cincang and Mat Raya

The two most prominent mountains in Langkawi Gunong Machinchang (Mat Cincang) and Gunong Raya (Mat Raya) tell the tale of the fight between families of giants.

The story tells the tale of a wedding - with Mat Raya's son wanting to marry Mat Cincang's daughter. During the wedding feast, a fight broke out between the two wedding parties. Pots and pans were flung at each other.

A large pot of gravy (kuah) was broken and the contents flowed onto the ground. Where the gravy spilt, became know as Kuah (the largest town on Langkawi island) and where the crockery (belanga) was broken (pecah) was location of the village Kampung Belanga Pecah (belaga pecah means broken crockery). The gravy seep in (kisap) through the land at the village named Kisap.

A couldron of hot water (air hangat) was also spilled on the ground Air Hangat Village (Hot Water Village). Where the engagement ring (cincin) was hurled became known as Tanjung Cincin (Cape of the Ring). All these sites are found on Langkawi island. The straits now separates Langkawi from Terutau Island in Thailand.

The fight between the two families went on until it was intervened by Mat Sawar and ended. Both Mat Raya and Mat Cincang apologised for the damage incurred. In remorse, they chose to be transformed into mountains, immobile and benign.

Today, Gunung Mat Cincang and Gunung Raya stand facing each other. As if separating the two, Bukit Sawar (Sawar Hill) lies in the middle. If you look at the two mountains today, you will notice that little Mat Sawar Hill is wedged in between, probably to prevent another fight between the two.

The marriage turned out to be a prosperous one, for Mat Raya's son turned over leaf and became a devoted husband.

Merong Mahawangsa and the Demigod

The Kedah Annals (Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa) tells the tale of the founding of the Kingdom of Kedah with mentioned of Langkawi island, as a hiding place of the Prince of Rum and Princess of China. Raja Merong Mahawangsa became the first ruler of Kedah.
The annals tell about Merong Mahawangsa, an ambassador of the Kingdom of Rum (believed to be part of the Byzantine empire). who escorted the Prince of Rum to China to be married to the Princess of China. The geruda (a demigod), who felt that the union should not take place, kidnapped the Chinese princess and her maid and hid them in a cave believed to Gua Cerita, in Langkawi. He then attacked the fleet carrying the prince. In the battle, the prince was swept ashore on Langkawi and united with the Chinese princess. Meanwhile, the Merong Mahawangsa landed with some surviving crew on the shores of Kedah. Believing that the prince had died, he decided to settle there and stared the settlement which grew to become the Kingdom of Kedah. Raja Merong Mahawangsa became the first ruler of Kedah.

The Tales

The history of the Langkawi archipelago is intricately entwined with her many local tales handed down by word of mouth from generation to generation. Each tale relates to some familiar local landform or inhabitants of the Langkawi islands, giving reality to the stories told. The islands’ rich heritage of myths and legends spins tales of gigantic birds, demigods, warriors, princesses and maidens in tragedy and romances.

Origin

Langkawi islands were once joined with other continents and sub-continents such as Australia, India, Africa and Antartica, in a super-continent called Gondwana Land during the late Carboniferous to early Permian time (about 280-300 million years ago).

Langkawi, parts of Sumatra, Thailand, Burma and a small part of southern China, were part of the Gondwana super-continent that included Antarctica, South America, Africa, Madagascar, Australia-New Guinea, New Zealand, Arabia and India.